Three days later.
All of France's Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, senior military generals, and the heads of the police, publishing, and transportation systems gathered in the grand conference hall of Versailles Palace. Even the corners of the room were packed with people.
Officials of this rank had more or less caught wind of something. At this moment, a solemn atmosphere hung over the hall, and everyone guessed that this expanded Cabinet meeting was meant to carry out a full prewar mobilization.
Before long, the Crown Prince entered the conference hall together with the King and Queen. Everyone immediately rose and placed a hand over their chests in salute.
Almost no one could remember the last time His Majesty the King had attended a Cabinet meeting. That alone showed how important this meeting was.
After Joseph waited for his parents to take their seats at the head of the conference table, he bowed slightly to them, then turned to the others and went straight to the point.
"I believe you have all heard that the armies of England, Prussia, and Austria have begun to assemble. Their total strength may exceed six hundred thousand men."
A grave look appeared in nearly everyone's eyes—this was a scale of war never seen before.
Joseph looked toward Berthier. "According to the General Staff Headquarters' assessment, war will break out within four to six months. This will be a war that determines France's future.
"I need not waste more words on this, because everyone knows perfectly well that victory is our only option.
"We will now begin wartime planning. Baron de Breteuil."
The Minister of Justice immediately rose, bowed to the King, and began reading aloud. "By royal decree signed by His Majesty the King, the Wartime Special Act shall take effect from this day